Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Ephesians 1:18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (NASB: Lockman). Saving faith is sufficient for trusting Christ and being saved, but such must grow into Sanctifying faith, Serving faith, Standing faith, and Suffering faith. If the Christian message is true, the world is on the way not to dissolution but to consummation. We have to exercise ourselves in order that the Son of God may be manifested in our mortal flesh. We, who are God's tillage, must make no bargain with his ploughshare, and withhold no acre from the operations of his Spirit. BGT [] , , Amplified: By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones), (Amplified Bible - Lockman). Ephesians 1 1-2 I, Paul, am under God's plan as an apostle, a special agent of Christ Jesus, writing to you faithful believers in Ephesus. They have raised harvests of bread out of the Incarnation; and vintages of blood-red grape from the scenes of Gethsemane and Calvary; and pomegranates and all manner of fruit out of the mysteries of the Ascension and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Why is there such a power shortage among professing Christians today? Finding Christ is like emerging from the cave into the light. 1:19; Eph. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might. Ephesians 6:10 (note) Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Ruth Or the funds to go on the radio. They became thine in the Council chamber of eternity, when the Father gave Himself to thee in Jesus. That we might know God better (Ep 1:17). As saints, were Gods inheritance, His treasure, His prize! 36)? (Risen: 50 Reasons Why the Resurrection Changed Everything), The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling. Then a distant aunt, unsolicited, sends her a sum of money, which happens to be the exact amount needed for airfare. THAT THE EYES OF YOUR UNDERSTANDING BEING ENLIGHTENED. From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application. Faith and Riches - Do you want to be rich? I suppose its all right to pray for that addition to a new Sunday School wing. In time, Fuller himself became a powerful evangelist, helping usher radio evangelism to the forefront with weekly broadcasts from Long Beach Municipal Auditorium, heard nationwide. Modern maps containing the results Of the explorations of Livingstone, Stanley, Burton, tell another story of river, Savannah, tableland, and of myriads of inhabitants. The first phrase of verse 18 is literally, the eyes of your heart having been enlightened. I understand it to be explaining in more specific detail Pauls words in verse 17, that God would give us a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the true knowledge of Him. To know these spiritual truths, God must open our eyes. Because of the glorious grace (v. 6) of the glorious Father (v. 17), He will receive His glorious inheritance (v. 18). The hope of our calling is the absolute certainty of our heavenly destiny and includes all that awaits the saints at the return of the Lord Jesus and is what Paul referred to by the phrase the "Blessed hope" writing in Titus that the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking (not just any kind of looking but looking anxiously, eagerly, earnestly, expectantly) for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. Now we are drowning in a sea of false religions and New Age philosophies. Paul is praying "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes . It comes only through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might (NASB: Lockman), Greek: kai ti to huperballon (PAPNSN) megethos tes dunameos autou eis hemas tous pisteuontas (PAPMPA) kata ten energeian tou kratous tes ischuos autou. 2:12) as, strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.. They must be revealed and as John MacArthur says "They are revealed only to those who love Him." Obadiah 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 15:16; 1Sa 16:7; 1 Ki. See more belowon what it means to be called by God. Thats why there is rape and famine, pollution, corruption, and death on our planet. Enlightened (5461) (photizo from phos = light) means to cause light to shine upon some object, in the sense of illuminating it. When we are saved we receive all of Gods grace and all of His power, and that assures us of the realization of our eternal hope. Every Christian has a calling on his or her life. (THE MEASURE OF IMMEASURABLE POWER). Used by permission of NavPress. Yes, there are dark spiritual powers at work behind the problems Paul discusses in Ephesiansanger, stealing, bitterness, slander, sexual immorality, greed, deception, and so on. Haggai What did Paul ask? Now I have resurrection power living on the inside God the Father gave the world to Adam. 8:29;I John 3:1-2). Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural. It sounds like religious hype. Paul writes (Rom. Comment: Here they would see and they would know beyond a shadow of a doubt about Jesus' authority. This hope is of the perfection of all, which we are called to enjoy really, but imperfectly, here. He makes a circuit of its bounds; he ascends its loftiest hills; he crosses and recrosses it, that he may know all that has come into his ownership. But the antidote to these dangers is not to remain ignorant. I may have a call to go to the mission field in Africa. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. A ministry that is College-trained but not Spirit-filled works no miracles. CD players dont have needles, he said, laughing. (Wuest Word Studies - Eerdman Publishing CompanyVolume 1,Volume 2,Volume 3- usedby permission), William Barclay says that dunamis "is the word from which dynamite comes. So if youre having problems in your Christian life, if things dont seem to be working as they should, maybe its time to go back and read the owners manual! 79)? Ephesians 1:19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. I cant handle hearing all of the heartbreaking prayer requests for sick children, terminally ill relatives, and church members in financial turmoil.. If one had learnt a swifter art of appropriating the wealth that lay open to his hand, he would be actually, though perhaps not potentially, richer than his neighbour. TECHNICAL NOTE - Note that the KJV translated from the Greek Textus Receptus (the NASB, ESV, et al are from the Nestle-Aland Greek) does not have "heart" (kardia) but has the word "understanding" which in the is the noun dianoia an old word for the faculty of understanding. Dr. Hammond thinks it was written about the year 58, and Dr. Lightfoot places it in 59, and the fifth year of Nero. Hoehner adds that "Paul is not saying that the power is available at moments of belief, but rather he is stating that the power is available to believers. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Wiersbe -The very power that raised Jesus from the dead is available for our daily lives! I cannot understand how this can be, but I know that God has an inheritance even in me. Too many people are trusting Christ for the power to save their souls and not trusting Him for the power to live day by day. (Ibid), Life Application Study Bible- The world still marvels at the power of the atom, yet we belong to the God Who created atoms and the entire universe. She contacts a Christian organization that operates orphanages in Europe and learns they have an opening for a worker. The Council's report, released in September 1991, concludes that subliminal messages simply don't work. (seeEphesians Through Revelation), Complete Biblical Library - This power always operates "in Christ." But God waits to realize in us all that He has prepared for us; and the third item in the apostle's prayer for his converts is that they might know "the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe. (Bible Knowledge Commentary), In another note Hoehner writes that "The word kleronomia occurred in Eph 1:14 and basically means property, possession, or inheritance. Dunamis is rather ability, faculty: not necessarily manifest, as ischus: power residing in one by nature. 3:1. ", etc (See 5W/H questions). If God can raise Jesus from the dead, God can provide all that is promised to the believer. 11.14; 4 Ezra 14:22; 1QS 2:3; 4:2). But there are many good reasons to interpret the text this way. Jesus answered and said to him (to Peter who was a bit "put off" that Jesus was preparing to wash his dirty feet! They are the real eyes for discerning the nature of issues important to God. Calling (2821) (klesis) (Click for more in depth discussion of calling; see related word kletos, and discussion of who are "the called") refers to an invitation as to a banquet, a summons to court, and was a call for attention in Greek. Even though God has opened our eyes to see and believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we still must seek Him to enlighten the eyes of our hearts so that we will come to a deeper understanding of these crucial truths. Its in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home freesigned, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. 1:19). (Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith). The church cannot arise and go out as at other times, and this the Philistines well know." 17:6; Ezek. Encourages my soul. (see note), Christ, "the hope of glory," living in us (Colossians 1:27). (If not it should be - see Jesus' command in Mt 5:16-note! They are not only his by choice, but by purchase. You. Plato (Protagoras, 350) draws the distinction thus: I should not have admitted that the able (dunatous) are strong (ischurous), though I have admitted that the strong are able. Paul is "struggling" to say what cannot be said. Energeia describes Gods power in raising Christ, Paul instructing the Colossian saints that they have "been buried with Him (Christ) in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the (supernatural) working (energeia) of God, Who raised Him from the dead (Note well - Paul says the Holy Spirit is God and He was the the One Who "raised Jesus from the dead" - Ro 8:11+) " (Col 2:12+). Paul always uses the word call to refer to this effectual call of God that actually saves the one called (Charles Hodge, Commentary on the Epistle to the Ephesians [Eerdmans], p. 75). Thus, His possession is located in the saints. The Word of God is scarcely preached while rock music and religious performers entertain worldly pagans. As for the worldling, God gives him anything, but for the Christian, God selects the best portion, and chooses his inheritance for him. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth. (Dt 32:9+). This seems to be a confirmation, but she continues to ask the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5). Not with corruptible things, as with silver and gold, but with the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ (1Pe 1:18-19), the Lord's portion has been fully redeemed. Galatians That's what Paul is praying for here. Ephesians 6:10 says, "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. A calling, invitation; in the NT, always of a divine call. If youre not happy at this moment, neither will you be with a change of location, salary, or ministry. That is what Paul desires for them and for all believers. 1:11; 3:4; Zech. But in Hebrew and Greek thinking, the heart was considered the seat of knowledge, thinking, and understanding. Spirit, soul, and body must be freely yielded to the great Husbandman. One day our Lord will come again, and we shall all be changed to see Him as He is and to be like Him. But we must see to it that we keep nothing back. Thus here Paul is emphasizing Gods power that already saved us rather than the power that He gives to sustain us. 4:10; 8:10; Esther 4:17; 10:2; Job 4:2; 5:5; 6:11f, 22, 25; 9:19; 12:16; 16:5; 23:6; 26:2, 12; 30:2, 18; 31:24, 39; 36:5, 19, 22; 37:23; 39:11, 21; 40:16; Ps. He sealed us with the Holy Spirit so that we might be kept until the day of redemption, absolutely, totally, eternally secure in our salvation. No, not at all. 19:23; Cant. I hold fast to the opinion that our God is ever trying to reveal Himself to us. (Ephesians Commentary). ANSWER -The Bible often mentions people being called by God for a specific ministry or service. It is power to overcome what stands in the way. It is His capability to function effectively. Malachi Thus as 1 John 3:2-3 puts it, Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. Man can supply the energy, enterprise and enthusiasm for things human. Morning and Evening, Spurgeon - In the resurrection of Christ, as in our salvation, there was put forth nothing short of a divine power. In other words, we are Gods possession, purchased by the blood of Christ. Ischus is used of the ability of human beings in Mark AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.' I pray that you may know the surpassing greatness of [Gods] power toward us who believe (Eph. 26:64), and so in classical Greek used to denote the magistrates or authorities. Thus as Christians, we should be filled with hope because we know that God has called us to salvation. Reportedly, Crowfoot put the pass in a leather pouch and wore it around his neck for the rest of his lifebut he never once availed himself of the rights and privileges it spelled out. (Nelson's Annual Preacher's Sourcebook, 2002 Edition), Robert Gundry -The heart was considered an organ of knowing as well as of feeling. It is hope that Paul here links with Gods effectual call: Scholars are divided over whether hope refers to the subjective emotion or to the objective content of our promised blessings in Christ. THOUGHT - Believers in Christ are privileged to worship the Truth personified and consummated in Christ Jesus! But glance first at Ephesians 1:17-18. God is patient with His children, working with us until we see things aright. 4:6; 14:14, Gilbrant on ischus in classical Greek and the Septuagint -Classical Greek - Ischus is common in the most ancient Greek writings, but gradually it diminished in usage (see Moulton-Milligan for the few citations). The analogy that we have quoted, however, fails us utterly in its final working out. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit. ", Ephesians 1:19 (note) and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. Note that huperballo is in the present tense indicating that this power is power which continually surpassing or excels all other power! Slain because of our sins. He argues (p. 391) that Pauls object in this section is to give the saints assurance and certainty in their faith. It will fill you with thanksgiving, joy, and hope. 1920).[72]. God had placed a call on Pauls life from the moment he was converted (Acts 9:1516). From a primary elpo; expectation or confidence. In summary, Paul is praying for one of the things these believers need to fully understand and to deeply realize -- the hope of God's calling. I dont blame you for feeling that way. Isaiah 6:10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. 1:18. Arriving at the church the next day, he found a seat behind a large pillar. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might- Paul piles one word upon another in this incredible description. Click for multiple Scriptures dealing with the other view (#2) that the inheritance refers to what believers will inherit one day by virtue of their position in Christ. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. But a day is coming -- oh! (Ephesians 1:15-23 Possessing the Possessions in Christ). The hope of His calling points to the certain eternal destiny and future glory of the saints, and especially the fact that these mortal bodies will but on immortality and will forever be like Christ (cf 1Co 15:53+, Ro 8:29-30+ where "glorified" is past tense it is so certain!, Php 3:21+, 1Jn 3:2+). That's the reason Paul said, "I am praying that your eyes will be opened, that you will be enlightened, that you will understand this" (Ephesians 1:18). The Old Testament priests were called by God to their special work (Hebrews 5:4; cf. 6:14; 16:5f, 9, 15, 17, 19, 30; Ruth 2:1; 1 Sam. Prior to start Adobe Premiere Pro 2023 Free Download, ensure the availability of the below listed system specifications. 1:18). All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. (2) The other view is that the inheritance means all that we will inherit in Christ. It can be used of the power of growth, of the powers of nature, of the power of a drug, of the power of a mans genius. Let that motivate you to praise your rich and glorious God for His rich and glorious inheritance! That's a good description of the way God gives His riches to us. 6:2; 8:3; 10:7; 17:17; Jdg. He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. 1:6, 14; Ezek. Hope in Scripture is the absolute certainty of future good. The eyes of your heart will be enlightened! It is one of ourselves who has strength enough to bear the burden of the glory, one of ourselves who can stand within the blaze of encircling and indwelling Divinity and be unconsumed. As believers in Jesus Christ, we have resurrection power! Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Psalm 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. (Ephesians 1:19) We are bidden to follow our Master in his up ward track, and to sit with Him, in daily happy experience, where He is already seated at the right hand of God. But, since there are many who dispute it, allow me just to stir up your minds by way of remembrance, by mentioning certain facts which will lead you to see clearly that verily God does choose our lot, and apportion for us our inheritance. ", Ischus - 251 uses in the Septuagint (LXX) - Ge4:12; 31:6; 49:3; Ex.9:16; 15:6, 13; 32:11, 18; Lev. But by Gods grace the word of God may change your mind and your heart. In, on, among. 2 Thessalonians 1:11 To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power. You have given us freedom, Johnson asks "What is the greatness of the power to us what who believe? Surely not. Imagine a couple of demons speaking. She begins to pray for direction. Glorified in the life that is life indeed. Jesus was buried and remained in the tomb for three days (John 19:42).